etree

Mermen Live at Slim's on 2002-01-05

Curve
Ocean Beach
Casbah
To Be Naked and French Is Always Hard
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Here Kitty Kitty
Silly Elephant Who Stomped to Tea
Be My Noir -->
TR-6 -->
Crash -->
Jack the Ripper
Within You Without You * -->
Burn * -->
Unto the Resplendent *
Jungle Rot *
Emmylou Rides Clarence West and Then South
The Goodbye
Soul Surfin'
Splashing with the Mermaid
White Trash Raga * -->
The Whales *

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Reviews

This truly is an excellent show that demonstrates each individual's skill in this band. Although I haven't listened to a whole lot of Mermen, these guys definitely get going and don't stop during this show. Within You Without You > Burn > Unto the Resplendent is simply killer and flows extremely well. This is a worth it show.

Slims is a special place. 495 person limit and most are standing in the little space in front of the 2 foot high stage. The barkeeps on the bar the stretches the left side and the brave waitresses that wander through the standing room crowd diligently keep everyone happy. This makes for a special atmosphere and the Mermen know it's their hardcore fans standing in front of them. That's what makes even the usually great Mermen shows even better at Slims. It's like a house party. They quote Sunshine of Your Love, Theme from Endless Summer and Wipeout in this performance. First show of theirs I saw at Slims, Jim did a Pink Floyd closer on one tune and somebody called out "Careful with that Axe Eugene" and he replied "Aw shucks you caught us." Slims is a knowledgeable audience and it's rewarding for all concerned but the band has to come out strong from the start and the boys sure do on this one with a ripper opening of some of their best known tunes - Curve, Ocean Beach, and Casbah. They're playing before their hometown fans in the venue that made them big time and the closing act at Burning Man. Moe's Alley in Santa Cruz is a similar environment. That's why you'll hear many bands' best shows recorded in these intimate standing room shows.

Reviewer:glenn
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June 20, 2005 Subject:
I like this band a lot.

This is the gen-u-ine article, the real way out surfin' groove, baby. Don't be a gremmy, download this one now. If you have the slightest interest in the surf guitar sound, this might be what you are looking for.

Basically invented by Dick Dale, the Surf Sound has grown up and raised some new sounds of its own, but this is really well done back-to-the-roots music right here.

Don't browse any further if you are looking for the kind of sound that INSPIRED the beach boys and a whole generation of surfers and beyond.

This is genuine original americana of today with a that thrilling flavor of yesterday, and no unpleasant aftertaste.

You could probably play this on a loop in your surfboard shop and boost sales and traffic 10%...

...the commercial world fell head-over-heels with this sound, inspiring fashion trends, clothing lines, television shows and anything else to exploit the popularity of this unique west-coast sound... it's been so copied that it seems cliche unless done really well.

When someone recently asked for a "best of" Mermen selection, fans recommended the memorable d2-opening sequence, Within You Without You > Burn > Unto the Resplendent. It's one of my own favorites as well, a great example of how this band is so much more than just a "surf" band. I can even hear the "San Francisco sound" in it, reminiscent of Country Joe & the Fish.